Now with the power of atoms

Now with the power of Improv

I took a short online workshop at LitReactor on using improv as a technique for un-sticking writing projects. My final project follows:

INT. – DAY

GLENDA

Peter, you know if you accept this new job you won’t get to hang out in Narnia all day!

PETER

I know, I’ve thought of that, but it’s time I move on from this job and start a new chapter of my life.

GLENDA

Just know you’ll be missed here at Imaginary Travel Agency Peter -- you are one of our most requested Tour Guides.

CUT TO:

INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE OF MANAGER’S OFFICE – DAY

Peter closes the door behind him, pauses to take a deep breath, then starts his way back to his cubical.

CUT TO:

INT. OFFICE CUBICAL – DAY

A standard office cubical, with sci-fi and fantasy odds and ends left on the desk. It is mostly empty. As Peter is packing the last of the objects in the cubical into a box, the diminutive TINK stops by.

TINK

I see you’re finally ceding Guide of the Year to me this year.

PETER

I hadn’t thought of that, but you’re right. Early congratulations to you Tink. (sarcastically) You’ve almost earned it!

TINK

I’ll accept your commendation any way I can get it. We both know that your Narnia tours attract families who couldn’t say anything bad about you even if they wanted to.

PETER

(thinks for a moment)

I suppose that would help buoy my customer satisfaction numbers a bit. Just like I’m sure shepherding group after group of Lost Boys to Neverland hasn’t really helped your numbers.

TINK

Those damned Lost Boys have cost me my last raise! I’m petitioning Glenda for your old tours. Neverland may be my home, but I want a piece of those sweet, sweet Narnia numbers!

PETER

Just remember to keep up that sunny disposition when you hang out with the Snow Queen. I’m not sure how Aslan feels about faerie folk...

TINK

Um...of course I’m going to hang out with the Snow Queen! She’s way more fun than that boring, old, self-righteous, über pious cat friend of yours! You’ve spent way too much time away from Neverland, Peter. You’re no fun anymore!

PETER

You’re right Tink. I’ve grown up. Aslan showed me there’s more to life than playing Pirate and hanging out with mermaids and fairies.

TINK

(bitterly)

Right, like getting high customer satisfaction survey scores, and leaving all your friends to go study Philosophical Approaches to Comparative Religions, whatever the hell that is.

PETER

That was just my capstone course Tink. We’ve been over this. It was the only way I could legitimize a degree in Underwater Basket Weaving.

TINK

How could I forget! You’re the youngest graduate of interdisciplinary religious craft studies in the history of Allied Imaginary Places Tech. All I know is you’re leaving us and I’m going to finally take the top spot on the Employee of the Month wall.

PETER

I’m glad you’re looking at the bright side! After how bent out of shape you got about Wendy and me, I was planning on having to get a busload of kids in here to clap again.

TINK

Oh Peter, I didn’t know you still cared enough to have the elementary school on speed dial...

PETER

Of course I do! It’s just time Wendy and I move on to the next chapter of our life. John Dolittle has a nice cottage ready for us in Puddleby-on-the-Marsh where I can set up shop and Wendy is going to take over as head librarian. Besides, if office gossip is anything to go by, I’m more likely to find you hiding out in a lamp these days than your old lantern.

TINK

Jeanie and I being an item has nothing to do with this! I’m still going to miss you.

PETER

And I’ll miss you too. Even if you take over my rightful spot as longest running Employee of the Month.